The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a new feature to lock and unlock your Aadhaar number. The move has been taken to further strengthen the privacy and security of the Aadhaar number of an individual.
Once you have locked your Aadhaar number, then authentication services using any method, i.e., demographic, biometric or OTP (one-time password) based, cannot be done using Aadhaar number. Therefore, you will have to use the 16-digit virtual ID for Aadhaar to undertake any authentication services for KYC purposes. You can use your Aadhaar number for authentication services only after you unlock your Aadhaar number.
Before you lock your Aadhaar number, remember you must first generate your virtual ID. If the virtual ID is not generated by you then you will not be able to lock your Aadhaar number.
You can generate your virtual ID from the UIDAI's website or simply by sending an SMS. Remember your mobile number must be registered with the UIDAI's database to generate your virtual ID via SMS.
There are two ways to lock or unlock your Aadhaar.
• Either through UIDAI's website or
• by sending an SMS to UIDAI on 1947
For locking your Aadhaar number
Step 1: Visit www.uidai.gov.in
Step 2: Click on 'My Aadhaar' tab and under the 'Aadhaar services', click on 'Aadhaar lock/unlock'.
Step 3: Select the option 'Lock UID' and enter the details - Aadhaar number, name as per Aadhaar records, pin code and security code.
Step 4: Once these details are entered, click on 'Send OTP'. An OTP will be sent to your mobile number via SMS. The OTP will be valid for 10 mins
Step 5: Enter the OTP and click on submit.
Step 6: Your Aadhaar number will be locked.
For unlocking your Aadhaar number
Step 1: Visit www.uidai.gov.in
Step 2: Click on 'My Aadhaar' tab and under the 'Aadhaar services', click on 'Aadhaar lock/unlock'.
Step 3: Select the option 'Unlock UID' and enter the virtual ID created by you earlier and security code.
Step 4: Click on 'Send OTP'. An OTP will be sent to your mobile number via SMS. The OTP will be valid for 10 mins
Step 5: Enter the OTP and click on submit.
Step 6: Your Aadhaar number will be unlocked.